IF - Muddy

Well, I missed the deadline for IF this week, but since they keep it up a bit afterwords, I thought I'd post it anyway! I am really pleased with this illustration, both in the composition and painting. Two things I would change are the amount of yellow in the painting (different color shirt maybe), and the dog's muzzle (looks ok, but could be better). I try not to get too caught up in perfect anatomy in my drawings as that is not what I want, but I do want body parts (animal or human) to be in proper proportion to the whole figure.

Anyway, I really like this. I probably could have done it on time, but I still get a bit intimidated about putting brush to paper. (I hate to have to redo stuff.)

Oh, and the illustration represents the moment directly after you have washed and dried your dog! Not sure if it is done out of spite, or to save face in front of other dogs! : P

IF - Focused

These snowman are focused on their passions. Yeah, a bit of a stretch, but it works! : D

This is another quick painting to get in more practice with watercolors, and develop convincing shadows. I like it, but the shadows are a bit harsh, making them look like a spotlight is on them (which I guess is OK considering their activities!). I know the sunset doesn't fit, but yet is another experiment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Morning stretch

Another experiment with watercolor, again using color pencils to add shadow/details. I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me after I got away from it, came back and added more detail.

Comments/critiques welcome!

IF -Clumsy

Sometimes our efforts to save time end up costing us more!

I had a few ideas for this weeks word, but this is the one I chose to illustrate. I am not completely happy with this, but most of my illos are experimental anyway, so I can't complain too much! I am still learning how to control the watercolor like I want it, especially when adding shadows to clothing. I tried to compensate with pencils, but not quite what I was after.
On to the next one! : )

IF - Wilderness

IF - Renewal

Might be a stretch, but I guess hugs are a form of renewal...

Anyway, I am really happy with this illustration. I had to force myself to be bolder with the color and shadows, and allow myself the permission to make mistakes and know that I can do it over if needed.

This is actually the second version. I was going to post the first version (shown below) on Tuesday, in an effort to get it on IF earlier than I usually do, but I just didn't like it, and decided I wasn't going to settle for "OK".


After some scrutiny, and taking some risks (for me), you have the image at the top! Granted, there is still improvement to be made, but overall, this is one of my better illustrations. The rough sketch is below.

Un-done

This post has multiple meanings...

1. Obviously the illustration above is undone.

2. The sketch above represents my foray back into the world of illustration after a long "break". I guess you could say that I am "un" done with the possibility of illustrating professionally, though not full time. During the past few years, a desire to work with children has recently lead me to teaching, of which I plan to start training at the beginning of 2010.

I have had many would-be careers over the years, from wanting to start a bookstore (my wife still shutters at those words!), starting my own magazine, photographing/videoing weddings, photographing families, and also looking out-of-state for new opportunities in graphic design (my day job). However, my pure joy comes from art, and what better gift for me to give than to pass my knowledge and excitement on to future artists.

3. Always "un" done with learning, I love to watch videos of Quentin Blake (or anyone for that matter) drawing. His seemingly effortless style has made me re-evaluate my style in an effort to get more loose and dynamic (as can be seen in the sketch above; the dog on the right is the more "dynamic" version of the dog in the middle.)


Thanks for stopping by. I pray that everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!